Caritas Philippines urged lawmakers to uphold the rule of law and base their vote on “clear and credible evidence” as the House of Representatives moved to decide on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement addressed to members of the House, the social action arm of the Church in the Philippines called on legislators to fulfill “one of their most important constitutional duties and responsibilities” by upholding transparency, accountability, and public trust in government.
“Our people have expressed their desire and hope that the Vice-President should face the charges against her in the impeachment complaint,” said Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, president of Caritas Philippines, citing a March 2026 survey showing that 69% of Filipinos support the impeachment process.
The prelate said the proceedings represent “a credible mechanism and process to hold our public officials accountable” and urged lawmakers to ensure “a fair and credible vote.”
“Our fellow Filipinos see the trial not just to hold the Vice-President accountable, but also as a fair and just process to prove her innocence or guilt based on clear and credible evidence,” he said.
“We pray that it will precisely be clear and credible evidence that will have greater weight over public opinion in today’s vote,” he added.
Caritas Philippines also invoked Micah 6:8 in its appeal, calling on lawmakers “to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
“May this day be remembered as a moment in the history of our House of Representatives when ‘to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God’ guided and inspired our honorable Representatives in their vote on the impeachment of the Vice-President,” said Bishop Alminaza.
In a separate statement sent to LiCAS News, Bishop Alminaza said accountability in public office should not depend on personalities or political affiliation.
“The Church reiterates its call that public office is a public trust, and that all public officials, regardless of name, position, or political affiliation, must remain accountable to the people they serve,” Alminaza said.
“At a time when serious questions are being raised, the Filipino people have every right to seek truth, transparency, accountability, and good governance from those entrusted with power,” he added.
Alminaza said the impeachment proceedings “must be approached not as an arena for political vengeance or partisan division, but as an opportunity to uphold the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions.”
“Accountability, when guided by due process and a sincere commitment to justice and the common good, is essential in rebuilding public trust,” he said.
Alminaza also called on the public “to remain vigilant, discerning, and guided by conscience,” saying the moment “demands moral courage from both leaders and citizens.”
“The pursuit of truth and justice should never depend on personalities or political alliances, but on the fundamental principle that no one is above accountability,” he said.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Monday on whether to affirm the Committee on Justice report finding probable cause in the impeachment complaint against Duterte.
According to the Philippine News Agency, approval by at least one-third of House members would allow the Articles of Impeachment to be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
The consolidated impeachment complaint includes allegations involving the misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and suspicious financial transactions, bribery tied to cash distributions within the Department of Education, and Duterte’s remarks in 2024 about arranging the killing of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-Speaker Martin Romualdez should anything happen to her.
Vice President Duterte has denied wrongdoing.
